The 38 Essential New York Restaurants, January '11
It's time to update the Eater 38, your answer and ours to any
question that begins, “Can you recommend a restaurant…”
This highly elite group covers the entire city, spans myriad
cuisines, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs,
save for those occasions when you absolutely must spend half
a paycheck. Every couple of months, we'll be adding pertinent
restaurants that were omitted, have newly become eligible
(restaurants must be open at least six months), or have stepped
up their game.
This time around, after much reflecting and poring over reader
emails and comments, we're switching out L&B Spumoni
Gardens (it made a brief appearance during summer, and is still
an area icon, but is no longer 38 material), Diner (off its game),
and Convivio (it will have to earn its spot back in a post-White era).
In their places go Franny's, a long clamored for addition, Rye,
an excellent restaurant and cocktail haven for Williamsburg,
and Balaboosta, as we've been slowly falling for what Einat
Admony has been putting out at for the past nine months.
For those of you readying the pitchforks because your favorite
restaurant isn't on the list, wouldn't it just be more productive
to nominate it for inclusion? State your cases for (or against)
restaurants in the comments or in the tipline.
restaurant isn't on the list, wouldn't it just be more productive
to nominate it for inclusion? State your cases for (or against)
restaurants in the comments or in the tipline.
Additions and Subtractions:
· November, 2009: 15 East dropped, Casa Mono added
· January, 2010: Little Giant, Nougatine, and Co. dropped; Prune,
Marea, and Aldeaadded
· March, 2010: Barbuto and Sapori D'Ischia dropped; Joseph
Leonard andMinangasli added
· July, 2010: Ippudo, Prune, and Vinegar Hill House dropped;
Yakitori Totto, L&B Spumoni Gardens, and Bar Boulud
added
· October, 2010: Frankies 457, Peasant, and Marea dropped;
Prime Meats, Torrisi Italian Specialties, and Salumeria Rosi added
· November, 2009: 15 East dropped, Casa Mono added
· January, 2010: Little Giant, Nougatine, and Co. dropped; Prune,
Marea, and Aldeaadded
· March, 2010: Barbuto and Sapori D'Ischia dropped; Joseph
Leonard andMinangasli added
· July, 2010: Ippudo, Prune, and Vinegar Hill House dropped;
Yakitori Totto, L&B Spumoni Gardens, and Bar Boulud
added
· October, 2010: Frankies 457, Peasant, and Marea dropped;
Prime Meats, Torrisi Italian Specialties, and Salumeria Rosi added
Map data ©2010 Google -
Locanda Verde
377 GREENWICH STNEW YORK, NY 10013(212) 925-3797
Though owners include one Robert DeNiro, chef Andrew Carmellini's return to the stage, following A Voce, is a rustic neighborhood Italian restaurant at the core. [link]
Blaue Gans
139 DUANE STNEW YORK, NY 10013(212)-571-8880
Something of an oddity, at least at first blush, Blau Gans turns out rustic Bavarian food in its stripped-down digs. Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner's casual sequel to his beloved …
Oriental Garden Restaurant
14 ELIZABETH STNEW YORK, NY 10013(212) 619-0085
If any of Chinatown's best dim sum joints are undiscovered, this one is—although the long weekend waits suggest otherwise. Chinatown pros and pro chefs alike …
Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 MULBERRY STNEW YORK, NY 10012(212) 965-0955
Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone's sandwich shop by day, 20-seat restaurant by night, is one of the more unique dining experiences in New York right now. Soulful Italian …
Balaboosta
214 MULBERRY ST # 1NEW YORK, NY 10012-4130 (212) 966-7366
Delicious, fresh, Mediterranean fare in a homey setting at an affordable price. What more could you want in a 38 pick? [link]
Balthazar
80 SPRING STNEW YORK, NY 10012(212) 965-1414
Restaurateur Keith McNally's enduring Soho brasserie. The best everyday restaurant in New York City. Period. [link]
Raoul's Restaurant
180 PRINCE STNEW YORK, NY 10012(212) 966-3518
Loud, clubby and crowded—and home of one of the most authentic steak frites downtown. A straight classic. [link]
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
97 SULLIVAN STNEW YORK, NY 10012(212) 274-0404
After 11pm, it's the best restaurant in the city (and it's open until 4am). But at any hour epic raw bar platters and perfect fondue and the mere 50-odd seats are among …
Lupa
170 THOMPSON STNEW YORK, NY 10012(212) 982-5089
Mario Batali's osteria on Thompson Street maybe be his best effort in New York; it's certainly his most relaxed and consistent. Its cacio e pepe is world class. [link]
Minetta Tavern
113 MACDOUGAL STNEW YORK, NY 10012(212) 475-3850
Since 1937 and impeccably restored by the one and only Keith McNally, the reborn Minetta is a masterpiece -- an old New York saloon, modern steakhouse and newfangled …
Spotted Pig
314 W 11TH STNEW YORK, NY 10014(212) 620-0393
One might expect owners and regulars like Jay-Z and Bill Clinton to distract from the food, but chef April Bloomfield holds her own and then some at New York's top (wait …
Joseph Leonard
170 WAVERLY PLNEW YORK, NY 10014
Just a year old yet it's already essential in the neighborhood. Gabe Stulman's tiny neighborhood spot puts out a great vibe and even better food. An instant favorite in …
Little Owl
90 BEDFORD STNEW YORK, NY 10014(212) 741-4695
Its mere 25 seats are to blame for the impossible proposition of scoring a reservation here, but for those who get in, it's an evening of charm on a leafy dreamlike West …
Strip House New York
13 E 12TH STNEW YORK, NY 10003(212) 328-0000
Its steaks are excellent, especially the double-cut bone-in rib eye, but Strip House's real achievement is finally putting steak in a sexy setting, which it does in …
Casa Mono
125 E 17TH STNEW YORK, NY 10003(212) 253-2773
The lone Spanish baby of Molto Mario’s empire, Casa Mono has been an Irving Place destination since it opened in ’04. Chef Andy Nusser has crafted a menu of …
Socarrat Paella Bar
259 W 19TH STNEW YORK, NY 10011(212) 462-1000
This Chelsea hole-in-the-wall -- yes, expect to wait to share space at the giant communal table that stretches the length of the room -- serves near note-perfect paella. …
Aldea
31 W 17TH STNEW YORK, NY 10011
George Mendes innovative take on Portuguese is both impressive and addordable, and has received raves far and wide. Bonus points for making an actual enjoyable ambiance, …
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20TH STNEW YORK, NY 10003(212) 477-0777
The unofficial official First Restaurant of New York, where Michelle Obama recently dined and service king Danny Meyer presides. Though its formal dining room in back is …
Esca Restaurant
402 W 43RD STNEW YORK, NY 10036(212) 564-7272
Non-theatre-goers sometimes forget about Esca due to its Siberia-adjacent location, but in many ways Esca is as good as the four-starred Le Bernardin. If nothing else, …
Sushi Yasuda
204 E 43RD STNEW YORK, NY 10017(212) 972-1001
Yasuda regulars know their sushi chefs by name and send them Christmas cards. If you're not getting world-class omakase here, you're not at Yasuda. [link]
Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto
283 AMSTERDAM AVENEW YORK, NY 10023(212) 877-4800
Cesare Casella’s small plates parlor is great place for a few bites of premium imported antipasti and a glass of wine, or a larger meal of more substantial meat and …
Yakitori Totto
251 W 55TH STNEW YORK, NY 10019
Rare poultry and grilled meat on stick never had it so good. An instant classic in Midtown, affordable, cool, and dependable. [link]
Chin Chin
216 E 49TH STNEW YORK, NY 10017(212) 888-4555
On the family tree of New York high-end Chinese restaurants, Chin Chin, since 1983, is younger than Mr. Chow and Shun Lee, but its anchor status on 49th Street in Midtown …
Le Bilboquet
25 E 63RD STNEW YORK, NY 10065(212) 751-3036
Hating on this comically and unselfconsciouslynouveau riche French 25-seater is totally besides the point and will distract you from how much fun it is to get in on …
JG Melon Restaurant
1291 3RD AVENEW YORK, NY 10021(212) 650-1310
Upper East Side pubs don't come more old school, and some have the Melon's burger as the best in the city. It's not, but along with Melon's crispy waffle-cut fries and …
Maz Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
316 E 86TH STNEW YORK, NY 10028(212) 472-1599
Anyone who lives anywhere close to East 86th Street is a regular here -- and no one minds the high kitsch factor. Fajita plates and margaritas are massive and immensely …
Bar Boulud
BROADWAYNEW YORK, NY 10023
It's the quintessential Lincoln Center scene with solid food, an exciting wine program (choice bottles are served at cost weekly), and a killer terrine. It offers more …
Gennaro Restaurant
665 AMSTERDAM AVENEW YORK, NY 10025(212) 665-5348
An Upper West Sider's secret, Gennaro is no reservations, no credit and no frills. But its straightforward pastas and main proteins never disappoint in a neighborhood …
Dinosaur Barbecue
646 W 131ST STNEW YORK, NY 10027(212) 694-1777
Along with Daisy May's, Dinosaur tops the category of Best BBQ in New York. Tucked under the West Side Highway, waits are epic, as are the ribs. Tip: outside tables are …
Roberta's
261 MOORE STBROOKLYN, NY 11206(718) 417-1118
One of the Brooklyn new school of locavore-crazy, market-driven ingredients, Roberta's is in many ways what happens when hipster chefs get it right. See especially the …
Fette Sau
354 METROPOLITAN AVEBROOKLYN, NY 11211(718) 963-3404
Once a trendsetter, now a member of the Williamsburg establishment, Fette Sau serves up a rotating menu of pork and beef ribs that leads some to tag it as the best BBQ in Brooklyn, if not New York. [link]
Rye
247 S 1ST STBROOKLYN, NY 11211
Great cocktails, excellent, hearty food in a romantic, pared down setting. It's a major win for the area. Make sure to try the meatloaf sandwich, the duck, the Old …
Prime Meats
465 COURT STBROOKLYN, NY 11231(718) 254-0327
Easily the most exciting steakhouse to open in the last few years, the Franks’ newest baby feature a mixed menu of new Brooklyn cuisine and old German classics, in …
Al Di La
248 5TH AVEBROOKLYN, NY 11215(718) 636-8888
No resy, total mob scene, noisy, and absolutely delicious describe the decade-plus-old Brooklyn Italian that predates the Park Slope stroller mafia but caters to it …
Franny's
295 FLATBUSH AVEBROOKLYN, NY 11217
Franny's, a popular favorite in the area, doesn't only serve up perfection in pie form. They also offer pastas, instantly classic salads like their raw brussel sprouts or …
Sripraphai Thai Restaurant
64-13 39TH AVE, QUEENS, NY 11377, USA(718) 899-9599
In Woodside, Queens, this highly remote beer-and-wine only joint is as far out as the Eater 38 ventures. But it's worth the trip, given that this Thai food is considered …
Minangasli
86-10 WHITNEY AVE, QUEENS, NY 11373, USA
Known as one of the only New York Indonesian restaurant worth traveling to, Minangasli in East Elmhurst serves up dependably excellent and authentic Asian. Worth the …
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